Yaupon Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex vomitoria

The Yaupon Holly is native to Texas and is adapted to a variety of soil types with its superior level of shade and drought tolerance. The Yaupon Holly can be trimmed into a dense hedge or the Yaupon Holly can be pruned into a small tree revealing its uniquely contorted trunks. The Yaupon Holly has a densely rounded canopy filled with simple, leathery, dark green leaves. Yaupon Holly leaves are oval shaped, about ½ inch long and have serrated edges. The Yaupon Holly produces inconspicuous white flowers in the spring. The flowers allow the Yaupon Holly to pollinate and produce an abundant amount of vivid red berries that are very attractive. The bark on a Yaupon Holly is smooth with a dark gray color.